Tag: pollution

For many years, this rule was blindly followed when there was a lack of research on this subject. At the time, dumping waste into the local rivers seemed feasible because garbage was carried out elsewhere, reinforcing the “Not In My Backyard (NIMBY)” mentality. Thanks to the development of modern science, this theory was quickly debunked proving dilution is not always the answer (cue in bioaccumulation).

In recent times, there are a growing number of cases which identify the impact of pollution on the environment but I want to focus on aquatic life for the purposes of this post. Pollution in waterways can come in several forms such as physical waste which includes the remnants of household trash, industrial goop or even the illicit drug trade for that matter (more on that later). This is a global concern which demands urgent change before we lose anymore aquatic biodiversity.

Our rivers are dying

Pollution observed at the rivers in Pune, India.

Unfortunately, humans have already committed a fair share of irreversible damage but it is not too late to make efforts towards conservation. Take the rivers, Mulu-Mutha in Pune, India for example. Since the rivers were surveyed in 1942, there has been a significant decrease in the fish population contributed by pollution. In just over 75 years, only 8 fish species can be found today from the initial 120 when the survey was originally completed. This drastic 93% decline in fish species can be observed through the water conditions of the rivers. In a case report on the freshwater fish fauna of these rivers, it identifies the dense population of tubificid worms and chironomid larvae discovere – bioindicators of sewage pollution. In addition to raw sewage, other factors which threaten fish diversity in this area include industrial pollution, decaying organic matter and bubbles of gas such as methane. These are human related or human produced discharges and it further proves the direct correlation of the impact we play on our surrounding environment. SS Kharat, an ichthyologist (read: fish expert) who studied this case said, we need to take the necessary steps to restore these species at risk and I could not agree more. I will add that to our Revolution on Pollution checklist.

Another one bites the ….trash?

Plastic content found inside of a green sea turtle’s stomach in Thailand.

Moving over to Southeast Asia, the revolution is beginning as many have gathered to safeguard the nesting areas of endangered turtles through cleanups and lobbying for better environmental protection. Green sea turtles are struggling to nest or even survive because their environment does not foster prosperous living conditions. They are fighting a losing battle against plastic pollution because their digestive systems were not made to match the human crafted debris which they confuse for food. Aquatic animals mistake plastic bags for jellyfish and other sustenance and consume them which accumulate in their body eventually causing indigestion and unable to eat suitable food. Hong Kong’s Lamma Island is home to these green sea turtles but with increased litter all over the bay, green sea turtles struggle to find nesting areas which in turn discourages reproduction.

Debris floating in aquatic habitats.

Turtles are not the only victims of concentrated plastic waste. In recent news, necropsy results on a whale in Thailand identified 80 plastic bags discovered within its body. Knowingly, we dump our waste into the oceans by the millions (tonnes) each year though examples such as these clearly indicate it is not a sustainable waste management solution. Though we are on the right track with volunteers urging the government to take more action to protect wildlife, the onus still rests on each and every one of us. We need to be more mindful of our lifestyles and the waste we generate because it bears consequences on this planet and every living thing in it.

An appeal to save the eel

Another factor affecting biodiversity in aquatic environments is the use of illicit drugs, though this may not come to mind immediately when we think of water pollution. However, when we dwell on it, it makes sense and it is easy to understand why it is overlooked. Recently in the United Kingdom, they conducted research on the effects of cocaine on eels, particularly European Eels. Initially, these eels appeared to maintain the general health of sober eels but shortly after, their vulnerable conditions were seen in muscle swelling. As an European eel, this is not the most ideal of situations because they spawn far from home and this journey is way too challenging when their biological composition is altered by the drugs they ingest which are leaked into waterways they call home. Now I understand that creating a campaign to raise awareness on the effects of drug use (in regards to the environment) is senseless but the bigger picture here is that we directly and indirectly affect other creatures purely based on the decisions we make every single day.

European eels are being impacted by the drug pollution in their water.

Even putting cocaine aside, these eels (amongst other aquatic creatures) are exposed to hazards such as heavy metals and pesticides which leach into the ground, eventually finding their way into the water streams. The answer to this problem can be as simple as implementing a multi-tiered water treatment system which ensures water is completely rid of any traces of harmful contaminants. Unfortunately, that is easier said than done, as such technology would require immense funding. Similar such treatment can be found in medical institutions which produce more toxic concentrated wastes. Until we can afford to have these systems in place (and after), we need to monitor what we pour down the drain or else it won’t be long before we see these species on an extinct list. Reporting household chemicals to hazardous waste facilities is not only economical (free!) but they dispose of them carefully, preventing groundwater contamination. Though it is an extra chore, I hope you will do it for the doped up eels that deserve better.

“No.”

The way I see it, this revolution is a peaceful protest; boycotting practices, products and services heedless of their environmental impact. A pervasive movement where we make conscious lifestyle decisions which factor in the ramifications of our actions. An uprising where we say “No” and voice concern for sustainable consumer goods. We need to demand for stronger legislation and policies which protect our natural resources more than it protects the industrial hegemony to get away with committing crimes against Mother Nature. As individuals sharing this planet with innumerable species, we have a moral responsibility to treat our mutual home kindly so all living things can thrive to their best potential. So I leave you with the question: What will you do today to help save our planet? 🙂

Environmental issues are a human rights issue.

No matter where you stand on the scale of being a treehugger, I have faith that you will recognize when a crime against humanity writes itself and in cases such as these, the environment is merely a victim too, so we need to fight this fight together.

I want to use the example of Sterlite Copper to further drive this point home.

You see, Sterlite Copper is a copper smelting process plant operating out of Tamil Nadu, India. In fact, Sterlite was on its way to becoming the world’s largest single location copper smelter in an urban area, if their expansion plans went through (it didn’t). They’ve recently gained a lot of media attention due to the company’s neglect on not only the environment but also those living in the surrounding areas of its process plant. Sterlite has a history of red flags and I am starting to wonder that maybe we need stronger legislation and intervention to prevent cases such as these from re-occurring.

Sterlite used to operate in Maharashtra in the early 90s but were chased out following protests from locals. Sterlite is familiar with the face of rejection as they were previously disdained by Gujarat and Goa until Tamil Nadu welcomed their project in 1994. Since then, a slew of complaints from neighbouring businesses and residents were collected for over a decade: headaches, coughing, nausea, breathlessness, respiratory tract infections, wheezing, eye irritation and miscarriages. Though Sterlite denies these claims are related to its plant, it is hard to believe they didn’t contribute to the withering health and environmental conditions of the surrounding area.

Here’s why:

Sulfur dioxide is a gas generated in the copper smelting process, and has been linked to asthma and other lung concerns. In 1997, over 100 women working at a nearby dry flower factory fainted and were even hospitalized for up to five days as a result of a high concentration of SO2. Just weeks later, employees of a station close by to Sterlite reported vomiting and nausea. Rinse and repeat and the year is now 2013 and panic had spread widely in the residential community of Thoothukudi who all shared symptoms of irritation and burning one morning. Further stack testing later proved SO2 levels had shot up to 235% of the permissible levels! The Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB) also calculated that strong winds from the direction of the plant prove Sterlite to be the culprit and though this was not convincing to everyone (I.e. Sterlite), it should not be entirely dismissed.

Figure 1: Environmental Impacts of Copper Production

In a publication by the U.S. Congress on the Environmental Aspects of Copper Production, it suggests there are potential impacts on surface and groundwater quality during copper production. This is indicated in Figure 1 which identifies prospective contaminants to land, air and water from a copper process plant. The impacts of Sterlite’s leaching are observed by farmers who face barren land as consequences of the chemically tainted land. In addition to health risks, Sterlite’s negligent actions are costing the livelihood of farmers who can no longer grow their crops on unforgiving soil.

Police amidst crowd of protesters surpassing their 100th day.

This is just scratching the surface on the atrocities committed by Sterlite during its presence in Tamil Nadu. The Anti-Sterlite movement recently gained its traction when the company announced its intention to expand their unit and double their production. The backlash caused by this decision is recorded by the hundreds who showed up to (peacefully) protest through means of sit-ins and strikes. In Sterlite’s most recent death toll, 13 lives were claimed (and many more injured) when police opened fire on the crowd of protestors. Their lives were not lost in vain as shortly thereafter, the Government of Tamil Nadu issued permanent closure of the plant.

Though this is a victory twenty years in the making, this experience comes bearing lessons. Despite evidence indicating the deteriorating health of the public, Sterlite continued to operate and grow its production. I cannot help but compare if this were to happen in Canada, Sterlite would be shut down and remedial actions would be administered promptly after evaluations were completed. In fact I can say this with confidence because this did happen.

A sign by a water fountain in town hall during the E.Coli outbreak in Walkerton.

In the spring of 2000, there was an E.Coli outbreak in the water wells in Walkerton, Ontario. Six died due to the lack of standard practices and testing completed by the town’s unqualified utility workers. Corrective actions followed the tragedy which included: identifying the source of contamination, handing over clean-up responsibility to Ontario Clean Water Agency and introducing new policies and legislations. Since then, there have been no severe incidents of water contamination in wells. The right people were held accountable for their actions and proactive measures were enforced to prevent this incident from repeating itself.

So why did it take over 20 years before Sterlite was shut down? The answer to this may be a bit past my purview but I strongly feel there should have been measures taken earlier on which would have averted the fatal outcomes. I hope to see India take a page from Canada’s book and implement environmental legislation with stricter policies so hazards are recognized as early as possible. I think accountability is key and to ensure this, operating licenses should outline the exact limitations of emissions which must be maintained. In the event these emissions are exceeded, corporations such as Sterlite must pay its fine for its inadvertence. Regular environmental audits in addition to soil and groundwater monitoring and stack testing are just a few solutions which protect the citizens and the environment. In my hope for the state’s future, I want to see agencies such as TNPCB receive more authority to reign over industry compliance requirements.

Protesters make a stand against Sterlite Copper.

Tamil Nadu government failed its own people for letting this persist for as long as it did but the collaborative efforts of the community to uprise and summon against a conglomerate such as Sterlite gives me hope for the sustainable future of the state. It makes me hopeful to hear of the environmental awareness Sterlite has stirred and it paves the way for sustainable development in business practices. This instance not only demands stricter protocols for businesses but it brings attention to unethical practices which are not tolerated by an informed public. The solidarity expressed by Tamil Nadu citizens and its political parties shows we are moving in the right direction. With this said, I am rooting for my home state to develop and progress towards a future which is considerate of the wellbeing of its citizens and the conservation of the environment.